Audi debuts R8 LMS at Essen Auto Show
December 1, 2008 by George Skentzos
Audi has officially unveiled the GT3 race version of its R8 supercar at the Essen Auto Show in Germany.
The Audi R8 LMS is the first car from the brand developed specifically for private customer motorsport use, with up to eight cars competing in different European race series during the 2009 season.
This will include the 24-hour race at the Nürburgring, for which Audi Sport plans to develop an endurance version of the R8 LMS.
It is powered by a mid-mounted V10 engine developing over 375kW, mated to a six-speed sequential sports gearbox.
Unlike its road-going sibling, power is transferred to the asphalt through the rear wheels, with GT3 regulations prohibiting the use of all-wheel drive.
The Audi R8 LMS will be available from Autumn 2009 at a proposed cost of around AUD$513,300 – a figure which should see the customer programme become self-financing in the medium term.
Print it: 
I’d love to drive one of these around the track. Looks good and probably goes exceptionally well
How about that hood!!!!!!!!!! AWESOME!!!!!!!!
Cant wait for some special edition road versions….. =)
I wish Audi & co would stop building such desirable vehicles – my lustometer is off the damn scale !!
It seems almost every day there’s another one……
This car looks like a ferrari.. has anyone here driven one or owns one?
I can’t believe there are only 4 comments about this piece of motoring history, so I’m making it 5…… :)